Lagos – Chief Ifasegun Elegunshi, President, Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria (AATREN) has called on Nigerians to uphold, respect and observe the African tradition to promote and value the nations history and heritage.
Elegunshi made the call during the 2017 Association’s Seminar titled : ” Traditional Religious Practises: An Ordained Repertoire and Encyclopedia of Human Evolution and Existence ” on Thursday in Lagos.
He said that progress and peaceful co- existence would be the order of the day when African tradition was given preference, observed and regarded.
“Please don’t make us play with our tradition, we should not be fraudulent with the benefit of traditional worship.
”We must not forget our tradition as it was handed over to us from our forefathers, we must wake our neighbours up each time they want to go astray,” he said.
Elegunshi called on all association members to stay dutiful and respectful in their choice of religion.
Mrs Saidat Otulana, then Director, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture represented the Lagos state Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Adebimpe Akinsola.
She said that the proposed Aug. 20 to be earmarked as African traditional day was on pipeline.
She added that even though Lagos state started the agitation for the declaration, other states had granted the proposal like Osun and Oyo states.
She said that Lagos state would continue to be at the front burner in promoting Africa culture and traditions.
She said that the government would also continue to uphold the culture, norms and value the traditional heritage of our forefathers.
The Public Relations Officer of AATREN, Otunba Lekan Ajirotutu urged the Federal Government and the Lagos State government to ensure that the Aug, 20 date was declared every year as public holiday to mark African traditional day.
“Christians have five days as public holiday, Muslims have about 6 days but we are only requesting for just one day to project and celebrate our heritage,” he said.
Ajitutu said that a deep exploration of African tradition would give a boost to the nation’s tourism sector because every machinery to drive tourism “is embedded in African tradition”.
NAN reports that traditional worshipers from the south western states were present at the seminar while masquerades from the 57 Local Government Areas entertained the guests.
